VICTORIA – Over four months since they were last in action, the UVic Vikes women’s golf team will begin their spring schedule this weekend at the Point Loma Nazarene Reach in San Diego, CA.
Currently not holding a ranking that would automatically qualify them for the NAIA nationals, being hosted in Palm Beach, FL from May 23-26, the Vikes need to put together a string of strong performances in the second half of their season.
“They have three tournaments upcoming and their focus is to compete well in those tournaments, and put together some competitive scores in order to improve their ranking,” said Vikes head coach Justin Clews.
About the Event
The tournament offers the Vikes not only a chance to get 2017 started on the right foot, but also to head south for some warmer weather.
“It was tough with the course closures with the winter that we had,” said Clews. “We tried to utilize our practice time at the driving range quite a bit. The last two weeks have been really productive since the courses have opened.”
Laura Ferreria led the team through the fall schedule, the fourth-year Vike had two top-five finishes in the four tournaments the Vikes played in.
“They have a long term plan in terms of finishing top three or four in every event starting this weekend, if they can accomplish that then they should make nationals,” said Clews.
Scouting the Course
Hosted at Riverwalk Golf Course in San Diego the tournament is one the Vikes have competed in before, though not since 2014.
“Two of the five girls travelling have played that course,” said Clews. “The course has a quite a bit of water but it’s pretty open, the team is going to have almost a full day of practice time to get familiar with the course.”
Coach’s Take
Justin Clews, Vikes head coach
“They can earn a spot in nationals if they win regionals in late April but ultimately they want to get in based on their ranking.”
“They are all playing really well, and will have positive vibes going into this week.”
Travelling Roster
Laura Ferreira
Hannah Diamond
Nicole Gargarella
Rhiannon Jones
Quinn Fitzgerald
